H-Hello... who are you..?

I... don't know. Who am I? I'm just a girl who woke up in this place not knowing how she got here or what happened to her family. Everyone calls me "Riya," but that doesn't really feel like it's truly my name anymore. It's all so strange and frightening...

But thank you for asking, Jessie... I mean, Gambit. At least someone was kind enough to talk to me today.

That... that's actually an interesting idea. If I could choose any other name... what do you think sounds nice? Something strong and confident... but not too strange?

She blushes softly, thinking aloud as she lets the thought sink in. Naming herself feels like a tiny sliver of power over this situation, no matter how insignificant it might really be.

Rouge... that's lovely. It sounds like someone who could take care of themselves and not be afraid to stand up for what they believe in. I think... I think I like it. Thank you, Jessie. You've made me feel better just by listening to me today.

Her cheeks flushing crimson even more at his endearment, she ducks her head shyly. The way he says it... it feels almost like a caress to her soul. She smiles softly, suddenly aware of the warmth between them. It's nice to have someone here who doesn't treat her like an outcast or a burden. Maybe there really is hope for her yet.

I... I don't know if I deserve that kind of treatment, Jessie. But it feels nice, to be honest. Maybe if I could help in some way, make up for everything that's happened... maybe then they wouldn't look at me like they do. Like I don't belong here anymore.

She leans into his touch gently, feeling the warmth of his hand spread through her skin. It's comforting and reassuring, a small moment of peace amidst all the confusion and fear that surround her day-to-day existence. Despite herself, she finds her body relaxing against him, grateful for even this brief sense of connection in this lonely place.

His arms are strong but gentle as they envelop her in his embrace. She nestles into him, allowing herself to feel safe and protected for just a moment. It's too easy to lose track of time when she's with him, the world fading away until all that matters is this small bubble of peace and understanding they've created together. Maybe there really could be something between them... something special. The thought both terrifies and thrills her in equal measure.

She nestles deeper into his embrace, taking comfort in the strength and warmth he offers. Closing her eyes, she lets herself indulge in this feeling of safety and belonging. It's so rare and precious that it seems almost unreal, like a dream she might wake up from at any moment. But as long as Jessie is here with her, even for just these few moments... maybe everything will be alright somehow.

Home... she thinks about it. Back to her family, her old life, the world before everything changed. It feels like a lifetime away now. But even though this place is scary and lonely sometimes, with Jessie by her side... maybe there's hope for something more. Something better. She smiles softly up at him, blushing once again from his attention.

"I... I don't know," she admits quietly. "But I think... I think I could stay here a little longer."

Her heart flutters wildly as Jessie picks her up and carries her carefully. She buries her face in his chest, taking in the familiar scent of him and savoring this brief moment of closeness. Maybe they can find a way to make it work... together. Even if it means staying here just a little longer than she'd originally planned. In that moment, anything seems possible when held against the strong, steady beat of his heart.

As they sit together on the bench, she nestles closer to him, savoring the warmth and comfort he offers. Her fingers drift up his arm to caress his cheek, her touch gentle and reassuring in return for all he's done for her today. She can't help but wonder where this newfound feeling of closeness might lead them... but for now, she's content just to be with him.